Cable pass-through panel for electronic equipment enclosure

ABSTRACT

An electronic equipment enclosure includes a frame structure and at least one panel secured to the frame structure. The at least one panel includes one or more panel knockouts arranged therein. Each panel knockout is configured to be removable from the at least one panel to provide a pass-through opening for a cable. The at least one panel further includes a split brush assembly seated in place of a removed one of the one or more panel knockouts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation patent application of, andclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/711,211, filed May 13, 2015, which '211application published on Sep. 3, 2015 as U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2015/0250071 A1 and issued on Oct. 3, 2017 as U.S.Pat. No. 9,781,852, which '211 application, its publication, and thepatent issuing therefrom are each incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, and which '211 application is a continuation patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S.nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/157,349, filed Jan. 16,2014, which '349 application published on May 15, 2014 as U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US 2014/0132134 A1 and issued on Jun. 9,2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,055,677, which '349 application, itspublication, and the patent issuing therefrom are each incorporated byreference herein in their entirety, and which '349 application is adivisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/229,705,filed Sep. 10, 2011, which '705 application published on Mar. 15, 2012as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0062086 A1, which'705 application and its publication are each incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety, and which '705 application is a U.S.nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/381,905, filed Sep. 10, 2010, which '905 application is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety. Additionally, each of the followingU.S. patent applications, and any application publication thereof, isexpressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety:

-   -   (a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/381,904,        filed Sep. 10, 2010, and entitled, “ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT CABINET        STRUCTURE;”    -   (b) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/381,909,        filed Sep. 10, 2010, and entitled, “RAIL SEAL FOR ELECTRONIC        EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE;”    -   (c) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/381,912,        filed Sep. 10, 2010, and entitled, “RAIL MOUNTING CLAMP FOR        ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE;”    -   (d) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/381,918,        filed Sep. 10, 2010, and entitled, “VERTICAL MOUNTING RAIL WITH        CABLE MANAGEMENT FEATURES;”    -   (e) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/229,704,        filed Sep. 10, 2011, published on Mar. 15, 2012 as U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. US 2012/0062084 A1, entitled,        “ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT CABINET STRUCTURE,” and issued on Dec. 2,        2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,901,438;    -   (f) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/229,706,        filed Sep. 10, 2011, published on Mar. 15, 2012 as U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. US 2012/0063099 A1, and entitled,        “RAIL SEAL FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE;”    -   (g) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/229,707,        filed Sep. 10, 2011, published on Mar. 15, 2012 as U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. US 2012/0062083 A1, entitled, “RAIL        MOUNTING CLAMP FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE,” and issued        on Jul. 22, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,787,023; and    -   (h) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/229,708,        filed Sep. 10, 2011, published on Mar. 15, 2012 as U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. US 2012/0062091 A1, and entitled,        “VERTICAL MOUNTING RAIL WITH CABLE MANAGEMENT FEATURES.”

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to electronic equipment cabinetstructures and enclosures, and, in particular, to top panel forproviding cable pass-through in electronic equipment cabinet structuresand enclosures.

Background

Equipment enclosures, such as frames, cabinets and the like forsupporting computer and other electronic equipment, are very well known.Such equipment enclosures are often partially or fully enclosed, eitherdirectly through the use of doors and panels mounted directly thereon.The panel situated at the top of the equipment enclosure is oftenremoved or modified in some manner to accommodate changes in the type orquantity of cables passing into or out of the enclosure.

In many known equipment enclosures, the top panel is installed on theequipment enclosure with the aid of tools. A typical installationprocess involves the use of a drill or similar tools to secure screws orother fasteners in at least the top four corners of the enclosure frame.In other cases, the top panel fits loosely atop the equipment enclosureand is secured with “push pins” placed to extend through openings in thetop panel and engage with the top of the equipment enclosure. A riskassociated with such a construction may arise if an installer forgets toengage or otherwise implement such push pins, thereby leaving theenclosure in a condition where the top panel may become inadvertentlydetached from the enclosure, such as by moving the enclosure. In stillother cases, the top panel is permanently affixed to the top of theequipment enclosure through a welding process. As such, a need existsfor improvement in the top panel installation process such that a toppanel can be installed in an equipment enclosure in a non-permanentmanner without the need for tools.

In order to accommodate larger connectors passing through the top panelof known equipment enclosures, portions of the top panel are oftenphysically deformed during the installation process, which can oftenlead to undesirable results by damaging the integrity of the panelmaterial. As an example, secondary operations—such as the removal ofmetal material from the top panel—may be necessary to accommodate suchlarger connectors in known equipment enclosures. As such, a need existsfor improvement in top panel construction and design such that the toppanel can readily accommodate pass-through of larger connectors withoutdamaging or otherwise affecting the integrity of the top panel.

Accordingly, a need exists for improvement in top panel construction andinstallation for electronic equipment enclosures. These, and otherneeds, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of enclosures for electronic equipment, the present invention isnot limited to use only in enclosures for electronic equipment, as willbecome apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptionsof aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a first aspectincludes an electronic equipment enclosure having a frame structure anda top panel tool-lessly secured to an upper portion of the framestructure.

In features of this aspect, the top panel may include one or more panelknockouts configured to be removable from the top panel to provide apass-through opening for a cable; the one or more panel knockouts mayinclude curved lateral edges; and the one or more panel knockouts may belaser-cut into the top panel.

In further features of this aspect, the top panel may include one ormore panel sub-knockouts configured to be removable from the top panelto provide a pass-through opening for a cable; and the one or more panelsub-knockouts may be laser-cut into the top panel.

In still further features of this aspect, the top panel may furtherinclude a split brush assembly seated in place of one of the one or morepanel knockouts; and the split brush assembly may be snap-fit to the toppanel.

In still further features of this aspect, the top panel may include oneor more stiffening flanges at an underside thereof; one of the one ormore stiffening flanges may include at least one spring pin openingtherethrough that corresponds with a spring pin mounted to the framestructure; and a portion of the spring pin may extend through the springpin opening to tool-lessly secure the top panel to the frame structure.

In still further features of this aspect, the top panel may be securableto the frame structure in either of a front-to-rear orientation or arear-to-front orientation; and the top panel may include an offset edgeat an end thereof for positioning underneath an upper cross member ofthe frame structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a second aspectincludes an electronic equipment enclosure substantially as shown anddescribed.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a third aspectincludes a top panel for securement atop an electronic equipmentenclosure. The top panel includes a generally flat sheet composed of ametal-based material and one or more panel knockouts configured to beremovable from the top panel to provide a pass-through opening for acable.

In features of this aspect, the one or more panel knockouts may includecurved lateral edges; the one or more panel knockouts may be laser-cut;the top panel may further include one or more panel sub-knockoutsconfigured to be removable from the top panel to provide a pass-throughopening for a cable; and the one or more panel sub-knockouts may belaser-cut.

In further features of this aspect, the top panel may further include asplit brush assembly seated in place of one of the one or more panelknockouts; and the split brush assembly may be attachable by snapfitting.

In still further features of this aspect, the top panel may furtherinclude one or more stiffening flanges at an underside thereof, at leastone of which includes at least one spring pin opening; and the top panelmay further include an offset edge at an end thereof.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fourth aspectincludes a top panel for securement atop an electronic equipmentenclosure substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fifth aspectincludes a method for tool-lessly installing a top panel atop anelectronic equipment enclosure. The method includes providing a toppanel having an offset edge at an end thereof and a stiffening flange atan underside thereof with at least one spring pin opening extendingtherethrough; positioning the top panel relative to a frame structure ofan electronic equipment enclosure such that the offset edge slidesunderneath an upper cross member of the frame structure; engaging thestiffening flange against one or more spring pins mounted to the framestructure to deflect the spring pins; and lowering the top panel ontothe frame structure to permit the one or more spring pins to spring backand extend through the one or more spring pin openings of the stiffeningflange.

In features of this aspect, the top panel may include one or more panelknockouts configured to be removable from the top panel to provide apass-through opening for a cable; the one or more panel knockouts may belaser-cut into the top panel; the top panel may include one or morepanel sub-knockouts configured to be removable from the top panel toprovide a pass-through opening for a cable; the one or more panelsub-knockouts may be laser-cut into the top panel; and the method mayfurther include removing one of the one or more panel knockouts from thetop panel and attaching a split brush assembly to the top panel in placeof the removed panel knockout.

In a further feature of this aspect, the method may further includeunsecuring the top panel from the frame structure and resecuring the toppanel in an opposite orientation.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a sixth aspectincludes a method for tool-lessly installing a top panel atop anelectronic equipment enclosure substantially as shown and described.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a seventh aspectincludes a panel for securement to an electronic equipment enclosure.The panel includes a generally flat sheet composed of a metal-basedmaterial and one or more panel knockouts arranged in the generally flatsheet and each configured to be removable therefrom to provide apass-through opening for a cable.

In features of this aspect, at least one of the one or more panelknockouts may include a central portion having curved lateral edges; atleast one of the one or more panel knockouts may include a centralportion having stair-stepped lateral edges; at least one of the one ormore panel knockouts may include a central portion having chamferedlateral edges; at least one of the one or more panel knockouts includesa vent; and the one or more panel knockouts may be laser-cut.

In further features of this aspect, the panel may further include one ormore panel sub-knockouts arranged in the generally flat sheet andconfigured to be removable therefrom to provide a pass-through openingfor a cable; and the one or more panel sub-knockouts may be laser-cut.

In further features of this aspect, the panel may further include asplit brush assembly seated in place of a removed one of the one or morepanel knockouts; the split brush assembly may be seated by snap fittingto the generally flat sheet; the split brush assembly may includealignment pins inserted within apertures in the generally flat sheet;the split brush assembly may be attached to the generally flat sheetwith fasteners; the split brush assembly may include at least twoseparate frame members, each separately attached to the generally flatsheet; and the split brush assembly may include a unitary structureattached to the generally flat sheet.

In still further features of this aspect, the panel may further includeone or more stiffening flanges at an underside thereof, at least one ofwhich includes at least one spring pin opening; the panel may furtherinclude an offset edge at an end thereof; the panel may be adapted forsecurement atop an electronic equipment enclosure; the panel may beadapted for securement to a side of an electronic equipment enclosure;and the panel may be adapted for securement to a bottom of an electronicequipment enclosure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to an eighth aspectincludes an electronic equipment enclosure that includes a framestructure and at least one panel secured to the frame structure. The atleast one panel includes one or more panel knockouts arranged therein.Each panel knockout is configured to be removable from the at least onepanel to provide a pass-through opening for a cable. The at least onepanel further includes a split brush assembly seated in place of aremoved one of the one or more panel knockouts.

In features of this aspect, at least one of the one or more panelknockouts may include a central portion having curved lateral edge; atleast one of the one or more panel knockouts may include a centralportion having stair-stepped lateral edges; at least one of the one ormore panel knockouts may include a central portion having chamferedlateral edges; at least one of the one or more panel knockouts includesa vent; and the one or more panel knockouts may be laser-cut into the atleast one panel.

In further features of this aspect, the at least one panel may furtherinclude one or more panel sub-knockouts arranged in the at least onepanel and configured to be removable therefrom to provide a pass-throughopening for a cable; and the one or more panel sub-knockouts may belaser-cut into the at least one panel.

In further features of this aspect, the split brush assembly may beseated by snap fitting to the at least one panel; the split brushassembly may include alignment pins inserted within apertures in the atleast one panel; the split brush assembly may be attached to the atleast one panel with fasteners; the split brush assembly may include atleast a pair of frame members, each separately attached to the at leastone panel; and the split brush assembly may include a unitary structureattached to the at least one panel.

In still further features of this aspect, the at least one panel mayfurther include one or more stiffening flanges at an underside thereof,at least one of which includes at least one spring pin opening; the atleast one panel may further include an offset edge at an end thereof;the at least one panel may include a top panel; the at least one panelmay include a side panel; and the at least one panel may include abottom panel.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a ninth aspectincludes an electronic equipment enclosure that includes a framestructure including at least one spring pin attached thereto, the atleast one spring pin having an anchor end attached to the framestructure and a free flex end, and a panel having a flange at aninterior-facing side thereof, the flange including at least one springpin opening. The panel is adapted for tool-less securement to the framestructure by positioning of the at least one spring pin opening againstthe flex end of the at least one spring pin such that the flex end ofthe at least one spring pin extends through the at least one spring pinopening.

In features of this aspect, the panel may include one or more panelknockouts configured to be removable from the panel to provide apass-through opening for a cable; at least one of the one or more panelknockouts may include a central portion having curved lateral edges; atleast one of the one or more panel knockouts may include a centralportion having stair-stepped lateral edges; at least one of the one ormore panel knockouts may include a central portion having chamferedlateral edges; at least one of the one or more panel knockouts includesa vent; the one or more panel knockouts may be laser-cut into the panel;the panel may include one or more panel sub-knockouts configured to beremovable from the panel to provide a pass-through opening for a cable;the one or more panel sub-knockouts may be laser-cut into the panel; thepanel may further include a split brush assembly seated in place of aremoved one of the one or more panel knockouts; the split brush assemblymay be snap-fit to the panel; the split brush assembly may includealignment pins inserted within apertures in the panel; the split brushassembly may be attached to the panel with fasteners; the split brushassembly may include at least a pair of frame members, each separatelyattached to the panel; and the split brush assembly may include aunitary structure attached to the panel.

In further features of this aspect, the panel may be adapted forsecurement atop the electronic equipment enclosure; the panel may beadapted for securement to a side of the electronic equipment enclosure;the panel may be adapted for securement to a bottom of the electronicequipment enclosure; the panel may be securable to the frame structurein either of a front-to-rear orientation or a rear-to-front orientation;and the panel may include an offset edge at an end thereof forpositioning underneath an upper cross member of the frame structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a tenth aspectincludes a method for installing a panel in an electronic equipmentenclosure. The method includes providing a panel having an offset edgeat an end thereof and a stiffening flange at an underside thereof withat least one spring pin opening extending therethrough; positioning thepanel relative to a frame structure of an electronic equipment enclosuresuch that the offset edge slides underneath or inside a member of theframe structure; engaging the stiffening flange against one or morespring pins mounted to the frame structure, thereby deflecting the oneor more spring pins; and maneuvering the panel onto the frame structureto permit the one or more spring pins to spring back and extend throughthe one or more spring pin openings of the stiffening flange.

In features of this aspect, the panel may include one or more panelknockouts configured to be removable from the panel to provide apass-through opening for a cable; the one or more panel knockouts may belaser-cut into the panel; the panel may include one or more panelsub-knockouts configured to be removable from the panel to provide apass-through opening for a cable; the one or more panel sub-knockoutsmay be laser-cut into the panel; the method may further include removingone of the one or more panel sub-knockouts from the panel; the methodmay further include replacing the removed panel sub-knockout with avent; the method may further include removing one of the one or morepanel knockouts from the panel; the method may further include replacingthe removed panel knockout with a split brush assembly; replacing theremoved panel knockout with a split brush assembly may includesnap-fitting the split brush assembly to the panel; and replacing theremoved panel knockout with a split brush assembly may include attachingthe split brush assembly to the panel with fasteners.

In further features of this aspect, the method may further includereconfiguring the previously-installed panel by unsecuring the panelfrom the frame structure and resecuring the panel in an oppositeorientation; the panel may be installed atop the electronic equipmentenclosure; the panel may be installed at a side of the electronicequipment enclosure; and the panel may be installed at a bottom of theelectronic equipment enclosure.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an electronic equipment enclosurewith a cable pass-through top panel installed thereon in accordance withone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a frame structure of the electronicequipment enclosure of FIG. 1 without the top panel installed thereon;

FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of the top panel of FIG. 1, shown with apanel knockout removed;

FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of the top panel of FIG. 1, shown with apanel knockout removed and replaced with a split brush assembly;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom orthogonal view of one of theframe members of the split brush assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a splitbrush assembly;

FIG. 7 is a top isometric view of another alternative embodiment of asplit brush assembly;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the electronic equipment enclosureof FIG. 1, depicting installation of the top panel;

FIG. 9 is a bottom isometric view of the top panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of one of the spring pins, of theelectronic equipment enclosure of FIG. 2, for use in securing the toppanel thereon;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of a portion of thetop rear of the electronic equipment enclosure of FIG. 2 showing aspring pin similar to that of FIG. 7 installed thereon;

FIG. 12A is an enlarged fragmentary top view of a portion of the toppanel of FIG. 1, shown with a panel knockout having curved lateraledges;

FIG. 12B is an enlarged fragmentary top view of a portion of another toppanel in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, shown with a panel knockout having stair-steppedlateral edges;

FIG. 12C is an enlarged fragmentary top view of a portion of stillanother top panel in accordance with one or more preferred embodimentsof the present invention, shown with a panel knockout having chamferedlateral edges; and

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of another electronic equipmentenclosure with a plurality of cable pass-through panels installedthereon in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are next described. The following description ofone or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and isin no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a front orthogonal view of an electronic equipment enclosure10 with a top panel 30 thereon in accordance with one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front isometricview of a frame structure 12 of the electronic equipment enclosure 10 ofFIG. 1 without the top panel 30 installed thereon. As perhaps best shownin FIG. 2, the frame structure 12 includes four vertical support posts16, upper and lower front cross members 17,18, upper and lower rearcross members 19,20 and three pairs of side cross members 21,22,23. Eachvertical support post 16 includes a plurality of cross member attachmentapertures at each end. Two of the vertical support posts 16 areconnected together at their upper and lower ends by the upper and lowerfront cross members 17,18, respectively, and the other two support posts16 are connected together at their upper and lower ends by the upper andlower rear cross members 19,20, respectively. The front cross members17,18 and their respective support posts 16 thus define a front frame24, and the rear cross members 19,20 and their respective support posts16 define a rear frame 26. The front and rear frames 24,26 may then beconnected together at their respective corners by the upper, middle andlower side cross members 21,22,23.

Although the particular frame structure 12 described and illustratedherein may include various novel aspects, it will be apparent to theOrdinary Artisan that various aspects of the present invention arelikewise applicable to frame structures of generally conventional designand construction. Furthermore, various different connection means may beused to join the various members together. One novel connection means isillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, although not illustrated herein,it will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that in at least someembodiments, any of a variety of other connection means may be usedinstead. In this regard, other examples of conventional connection meansare described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,098, U.S. Pat.No. 7,119,282, U.S. Pat. No. 7,697,285, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2009/0190307 A1, U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. US 2009/0227197 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0283488 A1, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2010/0172092 A1, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein byreference. Although likewise not illustrated herein, the precision andthe stability of each of the corners of at least some types of four postframe structures may be enhanced by utilizing a self-squaring cornerattachment bracket such as that disclosed by the commonly-assigned U.S.Pat. No. 5,997,117 entitled “RACK FRAME CABINET,” the entirety of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

Still further, it will be evident to the Ordinary Artisan that in atleast some embodiments, other structural arrangements may be used toform a frame structure on which panels may be mounted to form anenclosure. For example, in at least one embodiment (not illustrated), aframe structure may be formed from only two support posts.

Referring to FIG. 1, the enclosure 10 may include a plurality of panels,attached to the frame structure 12, which partially or fully enclose theenclosure 10. In contemplated embodiments, the enclosure 10 may includeright and/or left panels 13, a front panel 14, and a rear panel 15, oneor more of which may be configured to operate as a door to the interiorof the enclosure 10 (not illustrated). The enclosure 10 may furtherinclude a bottom panel (not illustrated). Various different connectionmeans may be used to join the various panels 13,14,15 to the framestructure 12. One or more novel connection means may be described and/orillustrated herein. However, although not illustrated herein, it will beapparent to the Ordinary Artisan that in at least some embodiments, anyof a variety of other connection means may be used instead to join thepanels to the frame structure 12.

The enclosure further includes a generally flat top panel 30 sized andshaped to fit an opening 28 defined by the four vertical support posts16 in connection with the upper front cross member 17, the upper rearcross member 19, and the upper side cross members 21. When installed,the top panel 30 covers the opening 28. In a contemplated embodiment,the top panel 30 is manufactured from sheet metal or other metal-basedmaterial.

FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of the top panel 30 of FIG. 1, shown witha panel knockout 32 removed, and FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of thetop panel 30 of FIG. 1, shown with a panel knockout 32 removed andreplaced with a split brush assembly 44. As shown in FIG. 1, the toppanel 30 includes one or more panel knockouts 32 arranged therein. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, panel knockouts 32 are configured to be knockedout or removed from the top panel 30 to provide an opening 34 sized topermit pass-through of larger cables or higher quantities of cables. Inparticular, the panel knockouts 32 may be defined in the top panel 30 bya laser cutting process, thereby permitting removal by detaching or“punching” any of the panel knockouts 32 from the top panel 30. Thecentral area of each opening 34 may have curved lateral edges 36 so asto accommodate large connectors such as a 60A PDU connector (notillustrated). Other shapes and configurations for the panel knockouts 32and the resultant openings 34 are contemplated, as perhaps best shown inFIGS. 12A-12C. Panel knockouts 32 are spaced from the outer edge of thetop panel 30 such that the large opening 34 in the top panel formed bythe removal of the panel knockout 32 is arranged interiorly of the edgesof the top panel 30.

As further shown in FIG. 3, each panel knockout 32 may itself include apanel sub-knockout 38 and/or a vent 40. In a manner similar to the panelknockout 32, the panel sub-knockout 38 is configured to be removed orknocked out from the panel knockout 32 to provide an opening 42 (shownon the right in FIG. 4) sized to permit pass-through of smaller cablesor lesser quantities of cables. In one contemplated embodiment, the vent40 may be installed in place of a removed one of the panel sub-knockouts38. The panel sub-knockout 38 may be defined in the panel knockout 32 bya laser cutting process, thereby permitting removal by punching thepanel sub-knockout 38 from the panel knockout 32. In a contemplatedembodiment, the panel sub-knockouts 38 and vents 40 have a generallycircular shape.

As can be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan, the top panel 30 can becustomized to accommodate different sizes and different quantities ofcables and connectors passing therethrough. For smaller cables andlesser quantities of cables, the top panel 30 can be customized byknocking out one or more panel sub-knockouts 38, thereby providingsmaller openings 42 to accommodate cables passing therethrough.Likewise, the top panel 30 can be customized to provide larger openings34 by knocking out one or more panel knockouts 32 so as to accommodatelarger cables or higher quantities of cables passing therethrough. Ineach situation, the top panel 30 can be customized in a manner such thatno more of the top panel 30 is removed than is necessary to accommodatethe desired size or quantity of cables or connectors. Furthermore,because the panel knockouts 32 and panel sub-knockouts 38 are laser-cutinto the top panel 30, they can be removed from the top panel 30 withrelative ease during an installation process without the aid of tools.In a contemplated embodiment, the top panel 30 has eight potential panelsub-knockouts 38 for low cable capacity and four panel knockouts 32 forhigh cable capacity.

As shown in FIG. 4, the top panel 30 may be customized further byreplacing one or more panel knockouts 32 with a split brush assembly 44.In particular, once a panel knockout 32 has been detached from the toppanel 30, the split brush assembly 44 may be readily installed in itsplace. The split brush assembly 44 includes two separate frame members46, each separately attachable at a location along an edge of theopening 34 created by removal of a panel knockout 32. Extending fromeach of the frame members 46 are a quantity of flexible brush bristles47 that can be deflected to fit snugly around a cable or connectorpassing through the opening 34, thereby helping to prevent air fromleaking through the split brush assembly when cables are routedtherethrough. While brush bristles 47 are shown in FIG. 4, it is furthercontemplated that other resilient, flexible materials may be used tocover an opening 34.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom orthogonal view of one of theframe members 46 of the split brush assembly 44 of FIG. 4. The framemembers 46 may be attached by any of a variety of different attachmentmechanisms. One such mechanism involves snap pins 76 located at anunderside of the frame members 46 that correspond with, and snap-fitinto, attachment apertures or notches 80 located along the opening 34created by removal of a panel knockout 32 (as shown in FIG. 3). By snapfitting the frame members 46 separately to the top panel 30, the splitbrush assembly 44 can be attached to the top panel 30 around a cable orconnector that passes through the opening 34 without having to removethe cable or connector itself. Furthermore, the split brush assembly 44may be installed or removed from the top panel 30 with relative easewithout the aid of tools. As further shown in FIG. 5, the frame members46 of the split brush assembly 44 may include alignment pins 74 at anunderside thereof, which matingly correspond with alignment apertures 48in the top panel 30 (as shown in FIG. 3). The alignment pins 74 permitthe split brush assembly 44 to be properly aligned during installationon the top panel 30, thereby facilitating a better snap-fit.

FIG. 6 is a top isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a splitbrush assembly 144. A panel knockout 32 that has been detached from thetop panel 30 may be replaced with a single-piece split brush assembly144 such as the one shown in FIG. 6. The single-piece split brushassembly 144 has a unitary frame structure, which may be attached to thetop panel 30 by snap-fitting without the aid of tools. As with the splitbrush assembly of FIG. 5, the single-piece split brush assembly 144 ofFIG. 6 may also include alignment pins at an underside thereof tofacilitate alignment with the top panel 30 during installation.

FIG. 7 is a top isometric view of another alternative embodiment of asplit brush assembly 244. The split brush assembly 244 of FIG. 7 may beattached to the top panel 30 with separate fasteners 78. A wide range offasteners 78 may be used to attach the split brush assembly 244 to thetop panel 30. In a contemplated embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, thefasteners 78 are threaded screws. Furthermore, while FIG. 7 depicts theuse of fasteners 78 in connection with a split brush assembly 244comprised of a single unitary frame structure, it is contemplated thatfasteners 78 may likewise be used in facilitating attachment of a splitbrush assembly 44 that has separate frame members 46, such as the splitbrush assembly 44 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the electronic equipment enclosure10 of FIG. 1, depicting installation of the top panel 30. As shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 8, the top panel 30 further includes an offset edge 50 atone end thereof. The offset edge 50 extends substantially the entirelength of the end of the top panel 30 and is positioned slightly belowthe generally flat surface of the top panel 30 such that it can be slidunderneath a retaining flange 51 on one of the upper cross members17,19. In this regard, the top panel 30 can be oriented such that theoffset edge 50 is positioned underneath the retaining flange 51 ofeither the upper front cross member 17 or the upper rear cross member19, thereby permitting the top panel 30 to be arranged forward orbackward atop the equipment enclosure 10.

FIG. 9 is a bottom isometric view of the top panel 30 of FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 9, the top panel 30 further includes a central flange 52and an end flange 54 positioned along an underside thereof. The centralflange 52 is affixed to the underside of the top panel 30 and extendsfrom one side of the top panel 30 to the other and preferably generallyequidistant of the ends of the top panel 30. The central flange 52stiffens the central area of the top panel 30 to provide additionalstrength and rigidity thereto. The end flange 54 also extends from oneside of the top panel 30 to the other and is positioned such that itruns adjacent to an end of the top panel 30. The end flange 54 providesadditional strength and rigidity to the top panel 30 and also helps tofacilitate tool-less installation of the top panel 30, as will beexplained in greater detail below.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged isometric view of one of the spring pins 56, ofthe electronic equipment enclosure 10 of FIG. 2, for use in securing thetop panel 30 thereon, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary isometricview of a portion of the top rear of the electronic equipment enclosure10 of FIG. 2 showing a spring pin 56 similar to that of FIG. 10installed thereon. As shown in FIG. 10, each spring pin 56 is acantilever spring that includes an anchor end 58 and a flex end 60 witha protruding knob 62 extending therefrom. When installed, the anchor end58 is mounted to one side of a mounting structure. The flex end 60 isunmounted and is arranged such that the protruding knob 62 extendsthrough an aperture in the mounting structure. In this regard, the flexend 60 may be deformed by an outside force pressing on the protrudingknob 62. Once the outside force is removed, the flex end 60 returns toits original configuration.

Spring pins 56 of the type shown in FIG. 10 are anchored to a portion ofthe upper front and rear cross members 17,19. As shown in FIG. 11, theanchor end 58 is mounted to one side of a cross member portion 64 of oneof the upper front and rear cross members 17,19. The protruding knob 62of the flex end 60 extends through an aperture 66 in the cross memberportion 64 such that the protruding knob 62 protrudes through and beyondthe portion 64 at the opposite side thereof. With reference to FIG. 9,the end flange 54 of the top panel 30 includes one or more spring pinopenings 68 that correspond with and engage the protruding knobs 62 ofthe spring pins 56. Furthermore, the end flange 54 of the top panel 30has an angled or bent outer edge 70 to facilitate initial deflection ofthe spring pins 56 during top panel installation.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the top panel 30 can be installed atop theequipment enclosure 10 without the aid of tools. In a method ofinstalling the top panel 30, the top panel is positioned over the framestructure 12 such that the offset edge 50 is oriented to slideunderneath the retaining flange 51 of either of the upper front or rearcross members 17,19 (the front cross member 17 being illustrated). In sodoing, the outer edge 70 of the end flange 54 engages the protrudingknobs 62 and applies an outside force such that each of the spring pins56 at the upper front or rear cross member 17,19 is deflected. Once theoffset edge 50 is properly aligned underneath the retaining flange 51 ofthe cross member 17,19 and the top panel 30 is lowered into positionatop the frame structure 12, the spring pin openings 68 of the endflange 54 enter into alignment with the apertures 66 of the cross member17,19. Upon this alignment, the outside force causing the spring pins 56to deflect is effectively removed and each the spring pin 56 returns toits original configuration. In this state, each protruding knob 62extends through both the aperture 66 of the upper front or rear crossmember 17,19 as well as the corresponding spring pin opening 68 of theend flange 54 of the top panel 30. The top panel 30 is thus securedautomatically into a proper position atop the equipment enclosure 10without the aid of tools. Furthermore, secondary operations, such as theapplication of separate fasteners to the top panel 30, are not requiredto secure the top panel 30 into position.

In a contemplated embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, theequipment enclosure 10 includes four spring pins 56. As perhaps bestshown in FIG. 2, two such spring pins 56 are mounted on each of theupper front and rear cross members 17,19. When installed, the top panel30 need only use the spring pins 56 located at one end of the equipmentenclosure 10 at a time. In this regard, the top panel 30 is furthercustomizable because the top panel 30 is configured to be fullyreversible. The end flange 54 of the top panel 30 can be secured withthe spring pins 56 located at either the upper front or rear crossmember 17,19.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged fragmentary top view of a portion of the toppanel 30 of FIG. 1, shown with a panel knockout 32 having curved lateraledges 36. Additionally, FIG. 12B is an enlarged fragmentary top view ofa portion of another top panel 130 in accordance with one or morepreferred embodiments of the present invention, shown with a panelknockout 132 having stair-stepped lateral edges 136; and FIG. 12C is anenlarged fragmentary top view of a portion of still another top panel230 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, shown with a panel knockout 232 having chamfered lateraledges 236. In each configuration, when the panel knockout 32,132,232 isremoved, the resultant opening is at least slightly wider along thecenter. In this regard, each configuration may help accommodate largerconnectors and cables. With further reference to FIG. 12A, the toppanels 30 may have openings 94 to facilitate the removal of panelknockouts 32 and panel sub-knockouts 38. At either side of openings 94and spaced along edges of the panel knockouts 32 and panel sub-knockouts38 are attachment points 96, where the panel knockouts 32 and panelsub-knockouts 38 remain attached to the top panel 30 following thelaser-cutting process. In like manner, openings 94 and attachment points96 may be used in connection with panel knockouts 132,232 and panelsub-knockouts 138,238 of panels 130,230, shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C.

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of another electronic equipmentenclosure 110 with a plurality of cable pass-through panels 30,113,114installed thereon in accordance with one or more preferred embodimentsof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, cable pass-through panels113 may be configured to attach to the left or right side of theelectronic equipment enclosure 110, and cable pass-through panels 114may be configured to attach to the front of the electronic equipmentenclosure 110. Cable pass-through panels may likewise be installed atthe rear or bottom of the electronic equipment enclosure 110. As shownin FIG. 13, cable pass-through panels 113,114 may include panelknockouts 32 and panel sub-knockouts 38 as desired in order tofacilitate cable pass-through. Furthermore, removed ones of the panelknockouts 32 may be replaced with a split brush assembly 44, and removedones of the panel sub-knockouts 38 may be replaced with a vent 40.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel for an electronic equipment enclosurecomprising: a generally planar sheet composed of a metal-based material;and one or more laser-cut panel knockouts arranged in the generallyplanar sheet, each laser-cut panel knockout being connected to thegenerally planar sheet at one or more attachment points; wherein thegenerally planar sheet is adapted to be fit atop an electronic equipmentenclosure that defines an interior; and wherein removal of a selectedone of the one or more laser-cut panel knockouts, by severing aconnection between the selected one of the one or more laser-cut panelknockouts and the generally planar sheet at the one or more attachmentpoints, provides an access opening through the generally planar sheet tothe interior of the electronic equipment enclosure.
 2. The panel ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more laser-cut panelknockouts includes a central portion having curved lateral edges.
 3. Thepanel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more laser-cutpanel knockouts includes a central portion having stair-stepped lateraledges.
 4. The panel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or morelaser-cut panel knockouts includes a central portion having chamferedlateral edges.
 5. The panel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the oneor more laser-cut panel knockouts includes a vent.
 6. The panel of claim1, wherein a split brush assembly is seated in place of a removed one ofthe one or more laser-cut panel knockouts.
 7. The panel of claim 6,wherein the split brush assembly includes alignment pins inserted withinapertures in the generally planar sheet.
 8. A panel for an electronicequipment enclosure comprising: a generally planar sheet composed of ametal-based material; one or more laser-cut panel knockouts arranged inthe generally planar sheet, each laser-cut panel knockout beingconnected to the generally planar sheet at one or more first attachmentpoints; and one or more laser-cut panel sub-knockouts arranged in atleast one of the one or more laser-cut panel knockouts, each laser-cutpanel sub-knockout being connected to the at least one of the one ormore laser-cut panel knockouts at one or more second attachment points;wherein the generally planar sheet is adapted to be fit atop anelectronic equipment enclosure that defines an interior; and whereinremoval of a selected one of the one or more laser-cut panelsub-knockouts from a selected one of the one or more laser-cut panelknockouts, by severing a connection between the selected one of the oneor more laser-cut panel sub-knockouts and the selected one of the one ormore laser-cut panel knockouts at the one or more second attachmentpoints, provides an access opening through the generally planar sheet tothe interior of the electronic equipment enclosure.
 9. The panel ofclaim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more laser-cut panelknockouts includes a central portion having curved lateral edges. 10.The panel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more laser-cutpanel knockouts includes a central portion having stair-stepped lateraledges.
 11. The panel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or morelaser-cut panel knockouts includes a central portion having chamferedlateral edges.
 12. The panel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the oneor more laser-cut panel knockouts includes a vent.
 13. The panel ofclaim 8, wherein a split brush assembly is seated in place of a removedone of the one or more laser-cut panel knockouts.
 14. The panel of claim13, wherein the split brush assembly includes alignment pins insertedwithin apertures in the generally planar sheet.
 15. A panel for anelectronic equipment enclosure comprising: a generally planar sheetcomposed of a metal-based material, the generally planar sheet includingan interior edge that defines an opening, the interior edge including atleast one notch disposed therealong; a first panel knockout arranged inthe generally planar sheet and configured to be removable therefrom; anda split brush assembly seated in the opening for snugly accommodating acable passing through the opening, the split brush assembly including atleast one snap pin; wherein the opening is formed by removal of a secondpanel knockout; wherein a shape of the interior edge, including the atleast one notch, corresponds to a shape of the second panel knockout;and wherein the at least one snap pin is snap-fitted into the at leastone notch of the interior edge to fasten the split brush assembly to thegenerally planar sheet.
 16. The panel of claim 15, wherein the splitbrush assembly includes alignment pins inserted within apertures in thegenerally flat sheet.
 17. The panel of claim 15, wherein the split brushassembly includes at least two separate frame members, each separatelyattached to the generally planar sheet.
 18. The panel of claim 15,wherein the split brush assembly includes a unitary structure attachedto the generally planar sheet.